EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS ON BULK FOOD STAPLES,
Abstract
Twenty-eight different selected packaged foods representing those of greatest volume in the American diet were exposed to nuclear detonations at the Nevada Test Site during the spring of 1955. The foods were divided into three groups: retail size packages, replicas of bulk packages, and bulk sizes (50 to 100 lb.) The different packages were so placed that some were exposed to strong neutron and gamma flux, others to gamma radiation and blast effects, and still others to only blast effects. The foods were recovered as soon after exposure as feasible and were studied periodically for induced radioactivity, physical and chemical changes, organoleptic variations, nutritional adequacy, and toxicity. These studies showed that most foods were suitable for emergency feeding at presently suggested AEC tolerances within 15 days after exposure. The initial predominant radioactivity, in most cases, was demonstrated as resulting from sodium or potassium or both; the intermediate studies suggested phosphorus as the substance contributing the major portion of the radioactivity; and, in the final phase of the study, possibly the radiation effects on chlorine and trace elements predominated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1956
- Accession Number
- AD0611328
Entities
People
- Sumner C. Rowe
Organizations
- Food and Drug Administration